Official: Shoe-thrower in Iraqi military custody

In this series of images made from APTN video, Muntadar al-Zeidi, a correspondent for Al-Baghdadia television, foreground center, throws a shoe at U.S. President George W. Bush, background left, during a news conference with Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, background right, on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, in Baghdad. The man threw two shoes at Bush, one after another, and was then taken into custody. Neither man was hit. In Iraqi culture, throwing shoes at someone is a sign of contempt. (AP Photo/APTN) ** Three images placed in chronological order from left to right.
— AP

In this series of images made from APTN video, Muntadar al-Zeidi, a correspondent for Al-Baghdadia television, foreground center, throws a shoe at U.S. President George W. Bush, background left, during a news conference with Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, background right, on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, in Baghdad. The man threw two shoes at Bush, one after another, and was then taken into custody. Neither man was hit. In Iraqi culture, throwing shoes at someone is a sign of contempt. (AP Photo/APTN) ** Three images placed in chronological order from left to right.
/ AP

BAGHDAD 
An Iraqi government official says the journalist who threw his shoes at U.S. President George W. Bush has been handed over to the Iraqi military command in Baghdad.

The official says Muntadhar al-Zeidi has been turned over to the prime minister's security guards to face further investigation by the military agency in charge of enforcing law in Baghdad.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because he was not authorized to talk to the news media.

Thousands took to the streets in Iraq on Monday to protest after Al-Zeidi was taken into custody for throwing his shoes at the president during a Sunday news conference. He could face charges of insulting a foreign leader and the Iraqi prime minister, who was standing next to Bush.